Super Power Sumo Shows Off Japanese Culture To U.S. Crowds

Sumo wrestling has long fascinated Westerners, with the spectacle of two enormous, barely dressed men grappling before a roaring crowd. Meanwhile, Japan has become a tempting destination for Western travelers, with the yen around 145 to the dollar. (The last time I visited, it was 98 to the dollar—ouch!)

With these trends in mind, WorldWide Sumo was created by StudioNaginami, whose founders are Emmy Award-winning live event creators. The upcoming Super Power Show! will bring superstars of sumo and Japanese culture together for this exciting live event series.

WorldWide Sumo is an immersive live entertainment company that celebrates Japanese culture by sharing the tradition of Sumo wrestling, Japanese music and art and food experiences. WorldWide Sumo events are a modern, family-friendly way to introduce Americans to the uniqueness of Japanese culture, as well as to the centuries-old sport of sumo wrestling.

While there’s nothing like a live sumo show, select performances will be broadcast live on YouTube and Twitch. This will extend the reach of the Super Power sumo show to global audiences. It will also let fans all over the world engage with the performers and with each other. Giving live and remote viewers a taste of sumo and Japanese culture may well help drive tourism to see the country that produced this unique sport.

The tour will launch at Petco Park’s Gallagher Square in San Diego on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, giving San Diego ComicCon attendees a chance to check out this legendary sport. Th San Diego show will be followed by five performances at American Dream Mall in New Jersey from Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3. Tickets to the tour are on sale now by visiting WWSumo.com.

The Super Power Show! will give U.S. audience a treat, with authentic Sumo wrestling exhibitions featuring elite retired professionals from Japan, Mongolia, and Brazil.

Athletes include the 341-pound Mongolian powerhouse, Azumaryum, who stands 6’2″ and has been wrestling for 14 years. The matches will also feature Japan’s superior Sumos Matsu, Tashi, Taichiyama, and many more to be announced. The events will also include J-Pop and Anime metal musical performers, Japanese food and drink, and much more.

“This isn’t just a sporting event,” said Todd Yasui, co-founder of WorldWide Sumo. Yasui, a two-time Emmy nominee and member of StudioNaginami’s leadership team, added, “It’s a dynamic celebration of Japanese heritage, artistry, and athleticism — and an invitation to a new generation of fans.”

Each show will be enhanced with live bands and taiko (classic Japanese drumming) and shamisen (a three-stringed traditional instrument) performances. Artists featured throughout the tour stops include J-Pop superstar, Shihori; Anime metal band, Spirit Bomb, as well as taiko master Shunichiro Kamiya and shamisen master Sumie Kamiko, among others.

To honor Japan’s culture and traditions, Super Power Show! will host an immersive Japanese marketplace offering curated food, drinks, and cultural goods. Additional event details and performers will be announced before the shows.

The 117-year-old Japan Society has been named the official non-profit partner of WorldWide Sumo, with $1 from every ticket benefiting the organization’s cultural and educational programs.

“We’re deeply honored by this partnership with WorldWide Sumo,” said Japan Society Director of Culture & Community Peter Tatara. “For over 100 years, Japan Society’s mission has been to bring the U.S. and Japan together, and WorldWide Sumo’s vision is very much in line with this mission. We’re excited to see Japanese culture, crafts, music, and food all come together in the Super Power Show!”

Tickets to both the San Diego and New Jersey shows are available now at WWSumo.com.